cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

Ive been wondering for a while about this.. Im half way through the build up of my car, everything has been properly done, everything has been rebuilt/replaced with stock or better parts, and ive taken my time on everything. When i got the car it came with some unknown springs that were new and new stock struts already installed. I dont have the money for re-speed parts now, but i have a set of 85 spindles that are going to get coil overs, camber plates, illuminas, and T2 brakes. I was cleaning up my 83 spindles last night to re install until i get the 85 ones done (much later) and it hit me.

Why cant i cut off the stock spring perch and weld it back on an inch or inch and a half lower?

Im not going to lie, it is for looks now... I dont want to see a ton of wheel gap until i get my good suspension parts. I really cant think of a con to this idea. Most people either heat their springs or cut them, making for a bouncy ride. This wouldnt affect anything except height and camber a little bit. I dont think it would make the ride be any different either, except possibly better since the car will be a little lower. Can someone with suspension knowledge chime in on this?

82transam

iTrader: (18)

It would have the same effect as lowering springs, so go for it.

Or another option - just cut a bit off the springs, thats the easier way to do it.

cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

i was trying to keep from cutting the springs, though i wont have a choice in the rear... im going to do it. it has to be better for the car than cutting the springs lol

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

If you are not concerned with handling then it will work, it will change your roll center, resulting in increased body roll. This could be prevented with a set of roll center spacers in between the steering knuckles and the strut. The only other effect would be less suspension travel.

It will look better but without the spacers it will handle worse, something that will be a factor driving the Tail of the Dragon.

82transam

iTrader: (18)

If he's using worn out old stock springs he probably isn't overly concerned about handling anyway at this point lol. Good point though

cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

An inch an a half will really affect the handling that bad?

82transam

iTrader: (18)

Seeing as most of the aftermarket springs drop at least 1" I wouldn't think so, but that's my opinion lol

rwatson5651

iTrader: (5)

The after market springs make up for the worse roll rate by having a stiffer spring rate, (and also a harsher ride btw) if you lower it and keep the stock springs it will have a worse roll rate than stock.

If you used a stiffer anti sway bar it may come out well however.

Your idea wouldnt be bad if you had some roll center spacers.

You may could get lucky and find some used in the classifieds, they are a little hard to find though.

cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

I don't have te stok springs, I have stiffer (there is a 320 on them), but I think they may be from eBay... They are stuffer however. I'm going to try it. Worst comes to worst I'll cut and re weld them higher. Could possibly be a cheap affective was to lower the car.

sa7

iTrader: (13)

I don't think this would work.
The stock spring gets wider toward the top, they aren't straight like a 2.5inch wide coilover spring. So wouldn't moving the stock spring lower on the strut greatly reduce clearance between the wheel and the coil?

MountainScreamer

^ This might be a problem. Look before you go cutting anything.
I think for right now it might be something that's worth a shot, hell you're replacing them anyway at some point. The shock travel will be reduced, depending on how low you go, which could be a big problem if you get too low. I wouldn't go lower than 1.5" I have B+G springs which claims a 1.5" drop, and everything seems fine. This is with GR2s which are garbage. But I just needed to get it back on the road.
What size wheels are you going to be running?

cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

I didnt think of spring/tire clearance issues... Im running 13x5.5" enkei apache V wheels, not sure of back spacing but looks to be close to stock. My wheels may have just a tad less backspacing if any. Im eager to try this. Hopefully I can find an impact to use later and can pull my struts apart. Im going to eyeball it and if i think it will work ill cut them off, lower 1.5", and tack weld it back on. Then test fit. If it works, awesome! If not, I'll just cut off my tack weld and weld it on higher. Ill keep you guys posted!

1ZlowZ

id be weary of welding on the strut. kabooom

82transam

iTrader: (18)

^I assume he would have the strut out of the spindle housing while doing this work...

cshaw07

iTrader: (14)

Not to should like a dick to everyone else but, THANK GOD someone read the few times I said it would be disassembled before welding haha